Billionaire Sir Leonard Blavatnik injects £630m to prop up Netflix-rival DAZN as losses mount Media Billionaire Sir Leonard Blavatnik has injected a further $827m (£630m) into streaming giant DAZN in a bid to become a major rival to Netflix. The businessman has now invested more than $6.7bn (£5.3bn) in the London-based sports streaming service, according to newly-filed accounts with Companies House. DAZN is owned by Access Industries, a New York-based [...]
Saudi Public Investment Fund nearing $1bn stake in Dazn Sport Business Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is nearing a $1bn acquisition of a small minority stake in sport streaming platform Dazn. The London-based rights holder, which enjoys relationships with boxing’s Riyadh Season and a number of the top European football leagues, could potentially see its value pushed into the tens of billions after the injection. It [...]
Tories hit out at government over £3bn gambling tax raid plan Sport Business The Conservatives have launched a barrage of criticism at the government on mooted plans for a tax raid worth up to £3bn on the gambling industry, with the shadow sports minister demanding the government “take the blinkers off”. Shares in British gambling firms plummeted on Monday morning amid reports of the tax raid, which would [...]
Sports teams can make better use of Apprenticeship Levy, ex-Quins CEO says October 9, 2024 A former Premiership Rugby chief executive has called on the government to cut red tape and back sports clubs to use the existing Apprenticeship Levy to fuel upskilling opportunities for athletes and local communities. David Ellis, who served as CEO of Harlequins for eight years until 2019, insists the compulsory tax could be better used [...]
Work from home culture may damage the future of sport branding August 13, 2024 Has the phenomenon of working from home damaged the way sports brands can reach their audiences? Joe Langsworthy investigates. Sport in 2024 has never been more accessible. Yet watching our favourite pastimes live in stadiums, arenas and other venues remains out of reach to millions. Recently, Sir Lewis Hamilton condemned the rising prices of tickets [...]
How much does it cost to watch F1 at Silverstone? Too much? July 5, 2024 The British Grand Prix weekend is in full flow with Sunday’s race set to be the crescendo of four days of action at SIlverstone in Northamptonshire. But the immensely popular race is getting more expensive. A four-day pass will set you back over £400 with general admission tickets to Sunday’s race at £300. At the [...]
Holy shirt! England fans face £4,000 fines for wearing fake jerseys at Euros June 13, 2024 England and Scotland fans could be fined £4,000 if they wear a counterfeit football jersey at the Euros this summer. German laws on trademarks mean police can do spot checks on tourists and slap fans with fines of up to £4,000 for knock-off kits. It means Brits abroad will need to be vigilant and stay [...]